JP2019529855A - Air conditioning and hot water supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

An air conditioning and hot water supply system (10) configured to selectively perform a cooling operation and a heating operation is provided. The air conditioning hot water supply system includes an outdoor unit (110) having a compressor (111) and an outdoor heat exchanger (113), each connected to the outdoor unit (110), and the indoor heat exchanger (121a, 121b). A plurality of indoor units (120a, 120b) and a hot water supply unit (130) connected to the outdoor unit so as to be arranged in parallel with the indoor units (120a, 120b) and having a refrigerant-water heat exchanger (131) And a controller (100) configured to monitor a request for hot water supply from the hot water supply unit. When a request for hot water supply is generated during a cooling operation in at least one of the plurality of indoor units, the controller (100) continues the cooling operation after the request is generated and a predetermined condition is satisfied, and then the heating operation is performed. Is configured to start.

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioning hot water supply system including a heat pump.

  European Patent Application Publication No. 2653805 proposes an air conditioning and hot water supply system that includes a heat pump and can perform an air conditioning operation and a hot water supply operation at the same time. The system is connected to an outdoor unit having a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, to the outdoor unit, at least one indoor unit including the indoor heat exchanger, and to the outdoor unit so as to be arranged in parallel with the indoor unit. At least one hot water supply unit. The hot water supply unit includes a refrigerant-water heat exchanger.

  The system disclosed in EP 2653805 performs a cooling operation and a heating operation. During the cooling operation, the hot water supply unit cools the water. During the heating operation, the hot water supply unit heats the water. Therefore, new hot water is not supplied during the cooling operation.

  On the other hand, in order to meet the demand for hot water used in the home such as kitchens and bathrooms, it is necessary to store a sufficient amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank at the target temperature. For example, new hot water can be supplied at night when the demand for cooling operation is generally less than during the daytime. The hot water supply unit may be configured to output a request for hot water supply based on time and the temperature of hot water stored in a hot water storage tank connected to the hot water supply unit.

  However, a request for hot water supply may occur when the cooling operation is performed in at least one indoor unit. Then, the cooling operation is immediately turned off so that the heating operation can be started in response to a request for hot water supply. This means that although the cooling operation is set by the user, the indoor unit in the cooling operation switches the operation to the heating operation.

European Patent Application Publication No. 2653805

  The subject of this invention is providing the air-conditioning hot-water supply system which solves the above-mentioned problem and a user's comfort is maintained even when a hot-water supply driving | operation is required.

  A first aspect of the present invention provides an air-conditioning hot water supply system configured to selectively perform a cooling operation and a heating operation according to appended claim 1. The attached dependent claims have beneficial effects.

  A system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an outdoor unit having a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, a plurality of indoor units each connected to the outdoor unit and having an indoor heat exchanger, and a plurality of indoor units A hot water supply unit connected to the outdoor unit so as to be arranged in parallel with the unit and having a refrigerant-water heat exchanger, and a controller configured to monitor a hot water supply request from the hot water supply unit. The controller further continues the cooling operation until a predetermined condition is satisfied after the request is generated when a request for hot water supply is generated during the cooling operation in at least one of the plurality of indoor units, and then the heating operation is performed. Is configured to start.

  In the above-described configuration, the heating operation is an operation of heating the space and supplying hot water. The cooling operation is not immediately interrupted by the request for hot water supply. Even after a hot water supply request (hereinafter referred to as “hot water supply request”), the area where the cooling operation is performed is further cooled. Therefore, user comfort is ensured.

  During the cooling operation in which at least one indoor unit is turned on (that is, during the cooling operation in at least one indoor unit), it is determined by the controller whether or not a hot water supply request has occurred. Even if the cooling operation of only one indoor unit is on and the target temperature has already been reached when the hot water supply request is generated, it is determined that the hot water supply request has occurred in the indoor unit during the cooling operation.

  The controller is preferably configured to increase the capacity of the cooling operation after the hot water supply request is generated and before the heating operation for hot water supply is started. More preferably, the controller is configured to increase the frequency of the compressor after a hot water supply request has occurred. As a result, the area during the cooling operation can be rapidly cooled below the target temperature before the start of the heating operation.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the system described above, the controller is further configured to determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied after continuing the cooling operation for a predetermined period (P1) after the hot water supply request is generated.

  According to the above-described configuration, the cooling operation is continued for the period P1 after the request for hot water supply. Thereby, the minimum period P1 which maintains a cooling operation effectively is ensured.

  According to another preferred embodiment of any one of the systems described above, the controller determines that the actual room temperature has reached the target temperature of the corresponding indoor unit from each of all the plurality of indoor units in the cooling operation. The cooling operation is continued until the signal shown is received, and then it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

  According to the above configuration, the heating operation is started only when the actual room temperature in each area reaches the target temperature. Each area corresponds to one indoor unit that performs the cooling operation. Thereby, the user's comfort for the cooling operation can be further ensured.

  Each indoor unit in the cooling operation transmits a signal to the controller when the actual room temperature reaches the target temperature in the corresponding area. The actual room temperature can be detected by sensors arranged in the respective areas where the indoor units are installed. Such a sensor constitutes a part of the indoor unit, but is not necessarily located inside the housing of the indoor unit. The sensor may be disposed inside, outside, or on the housing of the indoor unit. The sensor may be arranged inside the controller of the indoor unit used by the user for the operation of the indoor unit. For example, an infrared sensor may be installed on the front panel of the housing of the indoor unit to detect the floor temperature of the corresponding area as the actual room temperature. Another example of the sensor is a sensor that is independently arranged outside the housing of the corresponding indoor unit. Such a sensor is disposed in the corresponding area and includes communication means for transmitting the detected temperature to the controller.

  According to another preferred embodiment of any one of the systems described above, the controller is further configured to increase the capacity of the cooling operation after a request has occurred.

  Preferably, the controller is configured to increase the frequency of the compressor after a request occurs. With the above-described configuration, each area during the cooling operation can be rapidly cooled before hot water supply is started.

  An increase in cooling operation capacity may or may not be accompanied by an increase in compressor load. The increase in the former is achieved, for example, by restarting the cooling operation in more areas than before, increasing the frequency of the compressor, and decreasing the evaporation temperature of each indoor unit. The latter increase is achieved, for example, by increasing the air volume in each indoor unit during operation.

  According to another preferred embodiment of any one of the systems described above, the controller can operate the cooling operation in all of the one or more indoor units for which the cooling operation is on after the request occurs and before the heating operation begins. Is configured to do.

  Therefore, all the spaces in which the cooling operation is turned on in the indoor unit are sufficiently cooled before the heating operation is started. Thereby, a user's comfort is securable.

  The indoor unit in which the cooling operation is on may be in a “thermo-off” state or may be performing a cooling operation. When the temperature of the corresponding area reaches the target temperature, the indoor unit switches to the “thermo-off” state. This means that the indoor unit stops the cooling operation by closing the expansion valve while continuing the blowing. The indoor unit continues the cooling operation until the “thermo-off” state is reached.

  According to another preferred embodiment of any one of the systems described above, the controller is configured to perform a cooling operation in all of the plurality of indoor units after the request occurs and before the heating operation is started. .

  All of the plurality of indoor units perform the cooling operation upon request regardless of the operation state. Even when some of the plurality of indoor units are turned off or already in the “thermo-off” state, the cooling operation is forcibly performed in all of the plurality of indoor units. Therefore, all the spaces are sufficiently cooled before the heating operation is started. Even in a space where the cooling operation is not yet turned on, it is cooled in preparation for the case where the user wants to turn on the cooling operation for the indoor unit during the heating operation. Thereby, a user's comfort is securable.

  According to another preferred embodiment of any one of the systems described above, the controller is configured to send a signal to the compressor to increase its frequency during cooling operation and after a demand has occurred.

  According to the above configuration, the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit increases. Therefore, before the cooling operation is turned off and the heating operation is started, the operation capacity of the cooling operation is temporarily increased. Thereby, before the start of the heating operation, the area during the cooling operation can be rapidly cooled to ensure the user's comfort.

  According to another preferred embodiment of any one of the systems described above, the controller is configured to lower the thermo-off temperature of each indoor unit during the cooling operation and after a request occurs. Each indoor unit is configured to stop the cooling operation when the current room temperature reaches the thermo-off temperature.

  According to the above-described configuration, the controller is configured to stop the cooling operation performed in the indoor unit when the actual room temperature reaches the thermo-off temperature. The thermo-off temperature is set by each indoor unit to be slightly lower and higher than the target temperature of the cooling operation or the heating operation. For example, the thermo-off temperature can be set once lower than the target temperature for the cooling operation. Similarly, the thermo-off temperature can be set once higher than the target temperature of the heating operation. If the thermo-off temperature is lowered without changing the target temperature, the capacity of the cooling operation increases, and the room temperature reaches a temperature lower than the target temperature. Thereby, the room can be cooled rapidly before the start of the heating operation.

  According to another preferred embodiment of any one of the systems described above, the controller is configured to send a signal to increase the frequency of the fan of each indoor unit during the cooling operation after the cooling operation and a request occurs. ing.

  Each indoor unit has a fan that sends wind to the corresponding area. According to the above-described configuration, the air volume from each indoor unit during the cooling operation increases. Thereby, each area in the cooling operation can be rapidly cooled before the start of the heating operation.

  According to another preferred embodiment of any one of the systems described above, the controller is configured to lower the evaporation temperature of each indoor unit during the cooling operation and after a demand has occurred.

  According to the above-described configuration, the cooling operation capability in each indoor unit is increased. Thereby, each area in the cooling operation can be rapidly cooled before the start of the heating operation.

  According to another preferred embodiment of the above-described system, which is configured to reduce the evaporation temperature, the system is respectively arranged for a hot water supply unit and each of a plurality of indoor units and fed to a corresponding unit. And a plurality of expansion valves configured to control the amount of refrigerant. The controller is configured to transmit a signal for reducing the opening degree to each expansion valve corresponding to each indoor unit performing the cooling operation after the cooling operation is performed and a request is generated.

  According to the above-described configuration, the evaporation temperature of each indoor unit performing the cooling operation is lower than the actual evaporation temperature. Therefore, the capacity of the cooling operation in each indoor unit increases. Thereby, each area in the cooling operation can be rapidly cooled before the start of the heating operation.

  According to another preferred embodiment of any one of the systems described above, each of the plurality of indoor units is configured to send a request level signal indicative of a required change in the capacity of the cooling operation to the controller.

  The controller is configured to change the capacity of the cooling operation based on at least one required level of the operating indoor unit.

  Preferably, the request level signal includes a request value corresponding to a step width that increases / decreases the required driving capability. In addition to this, it is more preferable that each indoor unit transmits data such as an operating state, a target temperature, an actual room temperature, and an actual air volume to the controller.

  As mentioned above, there are options for increasing the capacity of the cooling operation. For example, options for increasing the capacity of the cooling operation include increasing the frequency of the compressor, decreasing the evaporation temperature of each indoor unit, and increasing the air volume in each operating indoor unit.

  According to another preferred embodiment of the above-described system, which is configured to use a demand level signal, any one or more indoor units during the cooling operation transmit a demand level signal indicating an increase in the capacity of the cooling operation. If not, the controller is configured to increase the frequency of the compressor during the cooling operation and after a request occurs.

  According to the above-described configuration, even if none of the indoor units in the cooling operation is requesting an increase in the cooling operation capability, the cooling operation capability is increased. Thereby, before the start of the heating operation, each area during the cooling operation can be rapidly cooled more reliably.

It is an example of the refrigerant circuit formed by the air-conditioning hot-water supply system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function of the outdoor controller of FIG. It is a figure which shows the level table memorize | stored in the outdoor controller of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the state table memorize | stored in the outdoor controller of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the state table memorize | stored in the indoor controller of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the function of the indoor controller of the indoor unit of FIG. It is an example of the time chart of switching from the cooling operation triggered by the hot water supply request to the heating operation. It is an example of the main process performed by the outdoor controller of FIG. It is an example of the main process performed by the outdoor controller of FIG. It is an example of the flow of the increase process in the main process of FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B. It is an example of the main process performed by the indoor controller of FIG. It is another example of the refrigerant circuit formed by the air-conditioning hot-water supply system which concerns on another embodiment of this invention.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a refrigerant circuit formed by an air conditioning and hot water supply system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the relationship of the magnitude | size of the components shown to the attached drawing may differ from the relationship of the actual magnitude | size of components.

<Configuration of system 10>
The system 10 is installed in buildings such as apartment houses, hotels, office buildings, and private houses. The system 10 is configured to selectively perform a heating operation with hot water supply and a cooling operation. The system 10 performs a heating operation and a cooling operation using a heat pump mechanism that circulates the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit.

  The system 10 includes an outdoor unit 110, two indoor units 120a and 120b, and a hot water supply unit 130 that are connected to each other. Each indoor unit 120a, 120b and hot water supply unit 130 are connected in parallel to an outdoor unit 110 that functions as a heat source unit. Although two indoor units 120a and 120b are shown in FIG. 1, the number of indoor units is not particularly limited. Only one indoor unit 120 or a plurality of indoor units 120a, 120b,... May be arranged in the system 10 like the indoor units 120a, 120b.

  The outdoor unit 110, the indoor units 120a and 120b, and the hot water supply unit 130 are connected by a gas refrigerant main pipe 101 and a liquid refrigerant main pipe 102. The gas refrigerant main pipe 101 and the liquid refrigerant main pipe 102 function as refrigerant pipes that flow so that the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit.

  A water pipe 103 is connected to the hot water supply unit 130 to receive new water from the water circuit 104 and supply hot water / water to the water circuit 104. The water circuit 104 is external to the system 10. The water circuit 104 supplies new water to the hot water supply unit 130 and guides hot water / water from the hot water supply unit 130 to a place where it is used. The hot water supply unit 130 is configured to heat or cool the supplied water and store the heated or cooled water in the hot water storage tank 133.

<Outdoor unit 110>
The outdoor unit 110 performs a heating operation or a cooling operation on the outdoor unit side, and supplies heating energy or cooling energy to the indoor units 120 a and 120 b and the hot water supply unit 130. The outdoor unit 110 includes a compressor 111, a switching valve 112, an outdoor heat exchanger 113, an accumulator 114, and an outdoor fan 115.

  During the heating operation, the outdoor unit 110 is configured such that the outdoor heat exchanger 113, the switching valve 112, the accumulator 114, the compressor 111, and the switching valve 112 are connected in this order from the liquid refrigerant main tube 102 side to the gas refrigerant main tube 101. Forming a refrigerant circuit (hereinafter referred to as a heating circuit).

  During the cooling operation, the outdoor unit 110 is a cooling system in which the switching valve 112, the accumulator 114, the compressor 111, the switching valve 112, and the outdoor heat exchanger 113 are connected in this order from the gas refrigerant main pipe 101 side toward the liquid refrigerant main pipe 102. Forming a refrigerant circuit (hereinafter referred to as a cooling circuit).

  The compressor 111 is configured to suck in the refrigerant and compress it to a high temperature and high pressure state. The compressor 111 is not limited to a specific type of compressor. The compressor 111 may be, for example, a reciprocating compressor, a rotary compressor, a scroll compressor, or a screw compressor. The compressor 111 is preferably of a type that can be controlled so as to be able to change its rotational speed, for example, by an inverter.

  The switching valve 112 is configured to switch the refrigerant flow in accordance with a requested operation (that is, a heating operation or a cooling operation). The switching valve 112 is configured to switch the refrigerant circuit between the heating circuit and the cooling circuit.

  The outdoor heat exchanger 113 is configured to function as a condenser during the cooling operation and to function as an evaporator during the heating operation. The outdoor heat exchanger 113 performs heat exchange with air sent from the outdoor fan 115 in order to condense or evaporate the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 113. The heat exchange amount of the outdoor heat exchanger 113 can be controlled, for example, by changing the rotational speed of the outdoor fan 115.

  The accumulator 114 is disposed on the suction side of the compressor 111 and is configured to store excess refrigerant. The accumulator 114 may be a container that stores excess refrigerant.

  The outdoor fan 115 is disposed in the vicinity of the outdoor heat exchanger 113 in order to send wind toward the outdoor heat exchanger 113. Preferably, the air volume level of the outdoor fan 115 can be changed, for example, by changing the rotation speed of the corresponding motor.

<Indoor units 120a, 120b>
Hereinafter, configurations and functions common to the indoor units 120a and 120b will be described. Therefore, the description of a certain indoor unit applies to other indoor units and vice versa.

  The indoor unit 120a has a function of receiving heating energy or cooling energy from the outdoor unit 110 in order to perform heating operation (heating operation) or cooling operation (cooling operation) on each indoor unit side. Indoor unit 120a includes an indoor heat exchanger 121a and an expansion valve 122a connected in series with each other. Further, an indoor fan 123a is disposed in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger 121 in order to send warm air or cold air from the indoor unit 120a.

  The indoor heat exchanger 121 functions as a condenser during the heating operation, and functions as an evaporator during the cooling operation. The indoor heat exchanger 121 transfers heat from the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 121 to the air supplied by the indoor fan 123a in order to condense or evaporate the refrigerant.

  The expansion valve 122 is configured to expand the refrigerant by reducing the pressure. It is preferable that the opening degree of the expansion valve 122 can be controlled to be changeable. Examples of such valves include precise flow rate control means such as electronic expansion valves and inexpensive refrigerant flow rate control means such as capillary tubes.

  An indoor fan 123a is disposed in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger 121 in order to send warm air or cold air from the indoor unit 120a and to take in air from outside the housing (not shown) of the indoor unit 120a. . Preferably, the air volume level of the indoor fan 123a can be changed, for example, by changing the rotation speed of the corresponding motor.

<Hot water supply unit 130>
The hot water supply unit 130 has a function of transmitting heating energy or cooling energy from the outdoor unit 110 to water in order to perform heating operation or cooling operation. Hot water supply unit 130 includes an indoor water heat exchanger 131, an expansion valve 132, and a hot water storage tank 133. Although only one hot water supply unit 130 is shown in FIG. 1, the number of hot water supply units is not particularly limited, and two or more hot water supply units may be provided in the system 10 like the hot water supply unit 130. Good.

  The indoor water heat exchanger 131 is disposed in a space defined by the hot water storage tank 133 so as to transfer heat from the refrigerant flowing through the indoor water heat exchanger 131 to the water stored in the hot water storage tank 133. The water heated or cooled by the indoor water heat exchanger 131 is supplied to the water circuit 104.

  The expansion valve 132 of the hot water supply unit 130 has the same function as the expansion valve 122a of the indoor unit 120a.

  The hot water storage tank 133 stores water. Preferably, the hot water storage tank 133 stores hot water used in a home such as a kitchen and a bathroom. The hot water storage tank 133 thermally shuts off the stored water and the outside. The hot water in the hot water storage tank 133 is preferably kept at a target temperature set by the user, as will be described later.

  Preferably, a sensor (not shown) for detecting the state data of the water stored in hot water storage tank 133 is arranged. The stored water state data includes, for example, the water temperature and / or the amount of water. This sensor may be arranged in the space of the hot water storage tank 133, the outer surface of the hot water storage tank 133, and / or the outlet of the hot water storage tank 133.

  As described above, in the system 10, the compressor 111, the switching valve 112, the indoor heat exchanger 121a, the expansion valve 122a, and the outdoor heat exchanger 113 are connected to each other in series. Similarly, the compressor 111, the switching valve 112, the indoor water heat exchanger 131, the expansion valve 132, and the outdoor heat exchanger 113 are connected in series with each other. The indoor heat exchanger 121a and the indoor water heat exchanger 131 are connected in parallel to the outdoor heat exchanger 113. In this way, a refrigeration circuit for circulating the refrigerant is formed.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 includes a sensor that detects a refrigerant discharge pressure, a sensor that detects a refrigerant suction pressure, a sensor that detects a refrigerant discharge temperature, a sensor that detects a refrigerant suction temperature, Sensor for detecting temperature of refrigerant flowing into outdoor heat exchanger 113, sensor for detecting temperature of refrigerant flowing out of outdoor heat exchanger 113, sensor for detecting temperature of outside air taken into outdoor unit 110, indoor heat exchanger It may further include a sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into 121, a sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 121, and a sensor that detects the temperature of water stored in the hot water storage tank 133. Measurement information obtained by these various sensors is transmitted to controllers 100, 200, and 300, which will be described later, and used to control components in the system 10.

<Heating operation and cooling operation>
During the cooling operation, the outdoor unit 110 and at least one indoor unit 120a perform the cooling operation. During the heating operation, the outdoor unit 110 and at least one hot water supply unit 130 perform the heating operation. Controllers 100, 200, and 300 of the system 10, which will be described later, execute the following operations by controlling the related components of the system 10.

<Heating operation>
The system 10 is controlled to realize the following operations during the heating operation. The low-pressure gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 111. The refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 111 to be in a high temperature and high pressure state, discharged from the compressor 111, passes through the switching valve 112, flows out of the outdoor unit 110 through the gas refrigerant main pipe 101. The high-pressure gas refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor unit 110 flows into the indoor unit 120 and the hot water supply unit 130. The refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor unit 120 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 121. The refrigerant that has flowed into the hot water supply unit 130 flows into the indoor water heat exchanger 131. The high-pressure gas refrigerant is condensed in the indoor heat exchanger 121 to become a high-pressure liquid refrigerant and flows out of the indoor heat exchanger 121. Similarly, the high-pressure gas refrigerant becomes a high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the indoor water heat exchanger 131 and flows out from the indoor water heat exchanger 131.

  The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 121 is decompressed by the expansion valve 122 to become a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, and flows out of the indoor unit 120 through the liquid refrigerant main pipe 102. Similarly, the high-pressure refrigerant from the indoor water heat exchanger 131 becomes a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant or a low-pressure liquid refrigerant and flows out of the hot water supply unit 130 through the liquid refrigerant main pipe 102. The low-pressure refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 113, exchanges heat with the air supplied from the outdoor fan 115, becomes a low-pressure gas refrigerant, and flows out of the outdoor heat exchanger 113. The refrigerant that has flowed out of the outdoor heat exchanger 113 passes through the switching valve 112 and the accumulator 114 and is sucked into the compressor 111 again.

<Cooling operation>
The system 10 is controlled to realize the following operations during the cooling operation. The low-pressure gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 111. The refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 111 to be in a high temperature and high pressure state, and is discharged from the compressor 111. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 113 via the switching valve 112. The high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 113 exchanges heat with the air supplied from the outdoor fan 115 and becomes high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows out of the outdoor unit 110 through the liquid refrigerant main pipe 102 and flows toward at least one indoor unit 120a. The refrigerant flowing toward the indoor unit 120a is decompressed by the expansion valve 122a so as to become a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant or a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. Then, the refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchanger 121.

  The low-pressure refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor heat exchanger 121 evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger 121 to become a low-pressure gas refrigerant, and flows out of the indoor heat exchanger 121. The low-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 121 flows into the outdoor unit 110 through the gas refrigerant main pipe 101. The low-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor unit 110 passes through the switching valve 112 and the accumulator 114 and is sucked into the compressor 111 again. The same applies when the low-pressure refrigerant is supplied to the hot water supply unit 130.

<Controller>
As shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 includes an outdoor controller 100, two indoor controllers 200 respectively corresponding to the indoor units 120a and 120b, and a hot water supply controller 300. The outdoor controller 100, the indoor controller 200, and the hot water supply controller 300 constitute a controller configured to control the overall operation of the system 10. The position of each controller 100, 200, 300 and the assignment of the function of each controller 100, 200, 300 are not limited as long as they can communicate with each other and with the measurement apparatus of the system 10. For example, all the controllers may be concentrated on one controller and arranged in the outdoor unit 110. In another embodiment, the functions of the outdoor controller 100 and each indoor controller 200 are assigned differently from the present embodiment.

  The outdoor controller 100, the indoor controller 200, and the hot water supply controller 300 transmit information to each other by wireless or wired communication means. In the present embodiment, the outdoor controller 100 notifies the indoor controller 200 of each indoor unit 120a, 120b that is turned on and the hot water supply controller 300 of the current operation at predetermined time intervals. The indoor controllers 200 of the indoor units 120a and 120b that are turned on transmit the current state to the outdoor controller 100 at predetermined time intervals. The hot water supply controller 300 is configured to transmit a request for hot water supply to the outdoor controller 100.

<Outdoor controller 100>
The outdoor controller 100 is configured to control the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in the outdoor unit 110. The outdoor controller 100 is further configured to control the frequency of the compressor 111, the switching valve 112, and the rotational speed of the outdoor fan 115.

<Indoor controller 200>
Each of the indoor units 120a and 120b has an indoor controller 200. Hereinafter, the indoor controller 200 of the indoor unit 120a will be described as an example. The same description applies to the indoor controller 200 of any other indoor unit 120b in the system 10.

  The indoor controller 200 is configured to control the degree of superheating of the indoor unit 120a during the cooling operation and to control the degree of supercooling of the indoor unit 120a during the heating operation. The indoor controller 200 is configured to control the rotational speed of the indoor fan 123a. The indoor controller 200 is configured to control the opening degree of the expansion valve 122a.

<Hot water controller 300>
The hot water supply controller 300 is configured to control the degree of supercooling of the hot water supply unit 130 during the heating operation. The hot water supply controller 300 is configured to control the opening degree of the expansion valve 132. The hot water controller is configured to control a valve, a pump, and the like. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the hot water supply unit 130 is provided with components for controlling the water flow rate.

  The hot water supply controller 300 is configured to transmit a request for hot water supply (hereinafter referred to as a hot water supply request) to the outdoor controller 100. For example, the hot water controller transmits a hot water request according to the temperature and / or amount of water stored in the hot water storage tank 133 and / or the time.

  Preferably, hot water controller 300 monitors the temperature of hot water stored in hot water storage tank 133. When it is determined that the current water temperature is less than the target temperature set by the user or less than the threshold temperature calculated from the target temperature, the hot water supply controller 300 transmits a hot water supply request. Thereby, the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 133 is constantly kept at the target temperature.

<Operation for hot water supply request during cooling operation>
In addition to the functions described above, the controllers 100, 200, and 300 determine whether or not a hot water supply request has occurred during the cooling operation in at least one indoor unit 120a. If the determination is yes, the controller 100, 200, 300 continues the cooling operation until a predetermined condition is satisfied after the hot water supply request is generated, and then starts the heating operation.

  Therefore, the cooling operation in the indoor unit 120a is not immediately interrupted by the hot water supply request. The area where the indoor unit 120a is performing the cooling operation is further cooled even after the hot water supply is requested. Therefore, even after the cooling operation is stopped, the comfort of the user is ensured for a while in the area.

  Hereinafter, functions of the outdoor controller 100 and the indoor controller 200 will be described in more detail.

<Outdoor controller 100>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functions of the outdoor controller 100. The outdoor controller 100 includes an operation unit 101, a reception unit 102, an update unit 103, a memory 104, a compressor unit 105, a thermo-off unit 106, a fan unit 107, and a valve unit 108.

  The operation unit 101 controls the heating operation and the cooling operation described above.

  The operation unit 101 is further configured to monitor a hot water supply request from the hot water supply controller 300. The operation unit 101 is configured to determine whether or not a hot water supply request has occurred during the cooling operation in at least one indoor unit 120a. When the determination is yes, the operation unit 101 continues the cooling operation even after a hot water supply request is generated. The operation unit 101 is configured to determine whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied while continuing the cooling operation. If the predetermined condition is satisfied, the operation unit 101 stops the cooling operation and starts the heating operation. Details of conditions for stopping the cooling operation will be described later.

  The operation unit 101 is preferably configured to further increase the capacity of the cooling operation after a hot water supply request is generated. Details of the increase in cooling operation capacity will be described later.

  The receiving unit 102 is configured to receive “request signals” from the indoor units 120a and 120b at predetermined time intervals. The receiving unit 102 is further configured to receive measurement information such as the outdoor temperature detected by the sensor 310.

  The “request signal” includes the ID of the indoor unit and preferably the current state of the indoor unit. The current state is, for example, any one or a combination of on / off, operation that is turned on in the indoor unit, target room temperature, current room temperature, air flow level, and “required level”.

  The “required level” indicates a change required for the capacity of the cooling operation. The “required level” is represented by a numerical value corresponding to a predetermined step width for increasing / decreasing the rotation speed of the compressor 111, for example. The operating unit 101 determines how much to increase / decrease the rotational speed of the compressor 111 based on the “required level”.

  The update unit 103 is configured to update the data stored in the memory 104 according to the received data.

  The memory 104 stores a state table and a level table. The contents of each table will be described later.

  The compressor unit 105 generates a command for controlling the rotation speed of the compressor 111 in accordance with an instruction from the operation unit 101, and outputs the generated command to the motor driver of the compressor 111.

  The thermo-off unit 106 generates a command for changing the “thermo-off” temperature of the indoor unit, and transmits the command to one or more related indoor units in accordance with an instruction from the operation unit 101.

  When the current room temperature in the area of the corresponding indoor unit reaches the “thermo off” temperature, the indoor unit enters the “thermo off” state. This means that the indoor unit stops cooling operation by completely closing the corresponding expansion valve. In the cooling operation, the “thermo-off” temperature of the indoor unit is lower than the target temperature of the indoor unit. In the heating operation, the “thermo-off” temperature of the indoor unit is higher than the target temperature of the indoor unit. The difference between the “thermo-off” temperature and the target temperature is, for example, 1 to 3 ° C. The difference between the “thermo-off” temperature and the target temperature in the cooling operation after the hot water supply request is generated is preferably larger than the difference between the “thermo-off” temperature and the target temperature in the normal cooling operation. Details will be described later in “Increased cooling capacity”.

  The fan unit 107 generates a command for changing the rotation speed of the indoor fan, and transmits the command to one or more related indoor units in accordance with an instruction from the operation unit 101.

  The valve unit 108 generates a command for changing the opening degree of the expansion valve of the indoor unit, and transmits the command to one or more related indoor units in accordance with an instruction from the operating unit 101.

<Level table in the memory 104 of the outdoor controller 100>
FIG. 3 shows a level table stored in the memory 104 of the outdoor controller 100. The level table associates a numerical value corresponding to each required level with a step width for increasing or decreasing the rotational speed of the compressor 111. Each value of the step width corresponds to a predetermined change in the rotational speed of the compressor 111.

  “Required level 0” indicates that the room temperature has reached the thermo-off temperature of the corresponding area. In other words, “request level 0” indicates that the indoor unit in the corresponding area is in the “thermo-off” state. The indoor unit that has entered the thermo-off state does not require a change in the rotational speed of the compressor 111. “Required levels 1, 2, and 3” indicate that it is necessary to reduce the current driving capability. “Required levels 4, 5, 6” indicate that it is necessary to increase the current driving capability.

  The operation unit 101 is preferably configured to select one “required level” having the largest absolute value and change the rotational speed of the compressor 111.

<Status table in memory 104>
FIG. 4A shows an example of a state table stored in the memory 104 of the outdoor controller 100. The state table stores “area”, “required level”, “operating state”, “target temperature”, “air flow level”, and “current temperature” in association with each other.

  The “required level” is as described above. “Area” corresponds to one area and identifies indoor units installed in that area. The operation state indicates whether the indoor unit is on or off, and the operation in which the indoor unit is on. The target temperature indicates the temperature that the room temperature of the area of the corresponding indoor unit should reach. The air flow level indicates the level of the rotational speed of the indoor fan. The current temperature indicates the current temperature of the area of the indoor unit.

  “Required level 0” means that the indoor unit is in the “thermo-off” state. In FIG. 4A, in the indoor unit in “Area 1”, the cooling operation is on and the “thermo-off” state is already set. On the other hand, the indoor units in “Area 2” and “Area 3” are in the cooling operation, but each “required level” is greater than 0, and thus are not yet in the “thermo-off” state.

<Predetermined conditions for stopping the cooling operation>
The operation unit 101 is preferably configured to continue the cooling operation until a predetermined period P1 elapses after the hot water supply request is generated. After the period P1 has elapsed from the hot water supply request, the operation unit 101 is configured to stop the cooling operation.

  The operation unit 101 is preferably configured to continue the cooling operation until all indoor units performing the cooling operation are in the “thermo-off” state. The operation unit 101 stops the cooling operation after all the indoor units in the cooling operation are in the “thermo-off” state. The “request signal” having “request level 0” indicates that the indoor unit is in the “thermo-off” state. The operating unit 101 stops the cooling operation after receiving “request signals” having “request level 0” from all indoor units in which the cooling operation is on. Thereby, the user's comfort for the cooling operation can be further ensured.

  The operation unit 101 preferably employs any one or a combination of the above conditions for stopping the cooling operation.

<Increased cooling operation capacity>
The operation unit 101 is preferably configured to increase the capacity of the cooling operation before starting the heating operation. A preferred example of capacity increase is described below.

  Example 1: The operation unit 101 preferably performs the cooling operation in all indoor units that have already been turned on when the hot water supply request is generated after the hot water supply request is generated and before the heating operation is started. It is configured.

  In the present application, the “indoor unit in which the cooling operation is on” is either an indoor unit in the “thermo-off” state or an indoor unit in which the cooling operation is performed. “Indoor unit in cooling operation” has the same meaning as “indoor unit in which cooling operation is on”.

  Even when all the indoor units in the cooling operation are already in the “thermo-off” state when the hot water supply request is generated, the indoor units are preferably forced to be cooled. As a result, the cooling operation is forcibly performed in the area in the thermo-off state, and the capacity of the cooling operation is increased. When a hot water supply request is generated, if one of the indoor units in the cooling operation is still performing the cooling operation and the other indoor units are in the thermo-off state, the latter indoor unit is forced to perform the cooling operation. It is done.

  Example 2: The operation unit 101 is preferably configured to perform a cooling operation in all the indoor units 120a and 120b after a hot water supply request is generated and before the heating operation is started.

  Even when only the indoor unit 120a is turned on and the indoor unit 120b is turned off, not only the indoor unit 120a but also the indoor unit 120b is forcedly cooled. As described above, even when the indoor unit 120a is in operation and is already in the “thermo-off” state, the indoor unit 120a is forced to perform the cooling operation. Thereby, the cooling operation is forcibly performed in all the indoor units of the system 10, and the capacity of the cooling operation is increased. Even if the indoor unit 120b is already turned off before the hot water supply request is generated, the indoor unit 120b is forcibly cooled in the corresponding area. Therefore, even after the cooling operation has already been stopped and the heating operation has been started, the suitability of the user can be ensured in any area.

  Example 3: The operating unit 101 is preferably configured to instruct the compressor unit 105 to output a command to increase the rotational speed after a cooling operation and a hot water supply request is generated. The operation unit 101 preferably stores a predetermined value that increases the number of rotations. The compressor unit 105 generates a command based on the instruction from the operation unit 101, and outputs the command to the motor driver of the compressor 111.

  Example 4: Preferably, the operating unit 101 instructs the thermo-off unit 106 to transmit a command to lower the thermo-off temperature of each indoor unit that is performing the cooling operation after the cooling operation and a request is generated. It is configured. In the instruction, preferably, the amount of change in the thermo-off temperature is specified based on each target temperature of the corresponding indoor unit. Alternatively, the operating unit 101 preferably lowers the thermo-off temperature by a predetermined value. Such a predetermined value is preferably larger than another predetermined value set for the thermo-off temperature during normal cooling operation. The normal cooling operation is a cooling operation other than the operation that is performed to increase the cooling operation capacity when a hot water supply is requested. For example, when the capacity of the cooling operation is increased upon request for hot water supply, the operation unit 101 sets the thermo-off temperature to a temperature that is two degrees lower than the target temperature. In other cases, the thermo-off temperature is set to a temperature one degree lower than the target temperature. The thermo-off unit 106 preferably transmits the command to all indoor units that are performing the cooling operation.

  Example 5: Preferably, the operation unit 101 instructs the fan unit 107 to transmit a command indicating an increase in the number of rotations of each indoor unit that is performing the cooling operation after the cooling operation is performed and a request is generated. Is configured to do. In the instruction, preferably, the increase amount of the rotational speed is specified based on, for example, the outdoor temperature, a predetermined value of the increase amount, and the difference between the current room temperature and the target temperature. The fan unit 107 generates a command according to the instruction and transmits the command to all indoor units that are performing the cooling operation.

  Example 6: The operation unit 101 preferably sends a command to reduce the opening degree of each expansion valve 122a to all the indoor units 120a that are performing the cooling operation after the cooling operation and a request is generated. It is configured to instruct the unit 108. In the instruction, preferably, the opening of each expansion valve or the amount of change in the opening is specified. The valve unit 108 generates a command according to the instruction and transmits the command to all indoor units that are performing the cooling operation.

  Example 7: The operating unit 101 is preferably configured to instruct the compressor unit 105 to generate a command and output it to the compressor 111 after a cooling operation and a request is generated. In the instruction, the amount of increase in the rotational speed of the compressor 111 is specified by a predetermined value independent of each “request level” stored in the state table in the memory 104. In other words, even if none of the indoor units in which the cooling operation is on transmits a “request level” that increases the capacity of the cooling operation, the rotational speed of the compressor 111 increases. Thereby, the capability of cooling operation is forcibly increased.

  The operation unit 101 may execute any one or a combination of the above examples in order to increase the capacity of the cooling operation.

<Indoor controller 200>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating functions of the indoor controller 200 of the indoor unit 120a. The following description also applies to other indoor units. The indoor controller 200 includes an operation unit 201, a reception unit 202, an update unit 203, a memory 204, a request unit 205, a fan unit 206, and a valve unit 207.

  The operation unit 201 controls the above-described heating operation and cooling operation.

  The receiving unit 202 receives a command from the outdoor controller 100. The receiving unit 202 receives an input for controlling the indoor unit 120a from an input device (not shown). The receiving unit 202 receives the current room temperature detected by the temperature sensor 320.

  The updating unit 203 updates the state table stored in the memory 204 based on the data received by the receiving unit 202. FIG. 5B shows a state table stored in the memory 204 of the indoor controller 200. The state table stores the thermo-off temperature in addition to the data stored in the state table in the memory 104 of the outdoor controller 100. The description about the data stored in the outdoor controller 100 also applies to the common data stored in the indoor controller 200.

  The request unit 205 generates a “request signal” based on the data stored in the state table. The request unit 205 transmits a “request signal” to the outdoor controller 100 at predetermined time intervals. As described above, the “request signal” includes the ID of the indoor unit and preferably the current state of the indoor unit.

  The fan unit 206 outputs a signal for stopping the motor to the motor driver of the corresponding indoor fan 123a according to the data received by the receiving unit 202. The received data includes, for example, a command for stopping the indoor fan transmitted from the outdoor controller 200 and an input for changing the air volume level from the input device.

  The valve unit 207 controls the opening degree of the expansion valve 122a in accordance with an instruction from the operation unit 201. Moreover, the valve part 207 outputs the signal which changes the opening degree of the expansion valve 122a to the corresponding expansion valve 122a according to the data which the receiving part 202 received. The received data is, for example, a command that designates a specific opening degree transmitted from the outdoor controller 200.

<Time chart>
FIG. 6 shows a preferred example of a time chart for switching from a cooling operation to a heating operation triggered by a hot water supply request. The operation mode is switched from the cooling operation to the heating operation by the hot water supply request generated at time t0 during the cooling operation.

  The compressor unit 105 of the outdoor controller 100 outputs a first command (hereinafter referred to as a compressor stop command) for stopping the compressor 111 at time t1. Here, the time t1 is preferably a time slightly elapsed from the time t0. Thereby, the compressor 111 stops and a cooling operation is complete | finished. The compressor unit 105 further outputs a second command (hereinafter referred to as a compressor start command) for driving the compressor 111 at a time t2 when a short period Pw has elapsed from the time t1.

  The operation unit 101 of the outdoor controller 100 outputs a command for switching the switching valve 112 from the cooling operation state to the heating operation state (hereinafter referred to as a switching command). The switching valve 112 is switched after the time t1 when the compressor 111 is stopped for the cooling operation and before or at the latest at the time t2 when the compressor 111 starts the operation again. The switching command is preferably output substantially simultaneously with the time t2 when the compressor 111 starts operation again. Thereby, the refrigerant circuit is switched to the heating circuit at the end of the period Pw.

  The fan unit 107 of the outdoor controller 100 transmits a command to stop the indoor fan (hereinafter, fan stop command). The fan stop command is transmitted at the earliest at time t1, and at the latest by time t2 when the compressor 111 starts operation again. Preferably, the fan stop command is transmitted substantially simultaneously with the time t1 when the compressor stop command is output. The fan stop command is transmitted to all indoor units performing the cooling operation. Therefore, the fan unit 206 of each indoor unit outputs a signal for stopping the corresponding indoor fan.

  Thereby, in the area where the cooling operation of the indoor unit is turned on, hot air does not blow out during the heating operation.

<Process flow>
<Main processing of outdoor controller 100>
7A and 7B show an example of main processing performed by the outdoor controller 100. FIG. The main process is started when the outdoor unit is turned on.

  The outdoor controller 100 monitors whether there is a hot water supply request from the hot water controller (step S1). If there is a hot water supply request, the process proceeds to step S2.

  The outdoor controller 100 determines whether or not the current operation mode is a cooling operation (step S2). If it is a cooling operation, the process proceeds to step S3. If it is not a cooling operation, the process proceeds to step S8 described later.

  The outdoor controller 100 determines whether or not all the indoor units in the cooling operation are in the “thermo-off” state (step S3). This ensures that the heating operation can be started only after the current room temperature in each area during the cooling operation reaches the target temperature. When all the indoor units in the cooling operation are in the thermo-off state, the process proceeds to step S6 described later. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S4.

  The outdoor controller 100 performs an increase process in step S4. This increase process increases the capacity of the cooling operation currently being performed. Thereby, each area in the cooling operation can be rapidly cooled before the start of the heating operation.

  The outdoor controller 100 increases step S4 until all indoor units in the cooling operation are in the “thermo-off” state (step S3) or until a predetermined period P1 has elapsed from the occurrence of the hot water supply request (step S5). Repeat the process. By step S5, even after the hot water supply request, the minimum period P1 for maintaining the cooling operation effectively can be secured. If the condition is satisfied in any one of steps S3 and S5, the process proceeds to step S6.

  The outdoor controller 100 outputs a compressor stop command and stops the rotation of the motor of the compressor 111 (step S6). Thereby, the cooling operation ends. In addition, the outdoor controller 100 transmits a fan stop command for stopping the indoor fan to all the indoor units for which the cooling operation is turned on (step S6). Thereby, during subsequent heating operation, warm air does not blow out from the indoor unit in which the cooling operation was turned on.

  The outdoor controller 100 determines whether or not a predetermined period Pw has elapsed since the output of the compressor stop command (step S7). After the period Pw has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S8.

  The outdoor controller 100 transmits a command for keeping the corresponding expansion valve slightly opened to all the indoor units (step S8). Thereby, a small amount of refrigerant flows through each indoor unit during the subsequent heating operation. Therefore, the entire amount of refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit without the refrigerant remaining during the heating operation.

  After the period Pw elapses from the compressor stop command, the outdoor controller 100 switches the switching valve 112 to the heating operation state and starts driving the motor of the compressor 111 (step S9). Thereby, heating operation is started. Hot water is supplied during the heating operation, and the water stored in the hot water storage tank 133 is heated.

  The outdoor controller 100 determines whether or not the difference between an arbitrary target temperature and the outdoor temperature is greater than a predetermined threshold (step S10). The time when the difference becomes larger than the threshold value in any area is the time when the cooling operation is restarted. If the difference is greater than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S11.

  The outdoor controller 100 stops the rotation of the motor of the compressor 111 (step S11). Thereby, heating operation and hot water supply are completed.

  The outdoor controller 100 switches the switching valve 112 to the cooling operation state, drives the motor of the compressor 111, and restarts the cooling operation (step S12).

  The outdoor unit controller 100 repeats the above steps S1 to S12 until the power of the outdoor unit is turned off (step S13).

  The above processing flow is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in another embodiment, the condition for stopping the cooling operation may be one of step S3 and step S5, or a combination thereof.

  In another embodiment, the increasing process in step S4 may be omitted.

  As a condition for stopping the heating operation, a difference between any current room temperature and the corresponding target temperature may be used instead of step 10.

<Increase processing of outdoor controller 100>
FIG. 8 shows an example of the flow of increase processing performed by the outdoor controller 100 during the main processing of FIGS. 7A and 7B. In step S4 of the main process, the outdoor controller 100 performs an increase process for increasing the capacity of the cooling operation being performed at the time after the hot water supply request.

  The outdoor controller 100 transmits a command to lower the thermo-off temperature of each indoor unit that is performing the cooling operation (step S41).

  The outdoor controller 100 transmits a command to increase the rotation speed of the indoor fan of each indoor unit performing the cooling operation (step S42). Thereby, the air volume from each indoor unit increases.

  The outdoor controller 100 transmits a command for slightly closing the expansion valve of each indoor unit performing the cooling operation (step S43). Thereby, the evaporation temperature of each indoor unit is lowered, and the capacity of the cooling operation is increased.

  The outdoor controller 100 determines whether or not an increase in the cooling operation is requested from any one indoor unit that is performing the cooling operation (step S44). This determination is made based on the “request level” of each indoor unit stored in the state table of the memory 104. If an increase is requested, the process proceeds to step S45. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S46.

  The outdoor controller 100 increases the rotation speed of the compressor 111 according to the highest required level of the state table in the memory 104 (step S45).

  The outdoor controller 100 increases the rotational speed of the compressor 111 based on a predetermined step increase width (step S46). Thereby, even if it is a case where none of the indoor units in the cooling operation is requesting an increase in the capacity of the cooling operation, the capacity of the cooling operation is increased.

  The order of step S41 to step S46 is not limited to that described above. Any one or more of steps S41 to S46 may be omitted.

<Main processing of indoor controller 200>
FIG. 9 shows an example of main processing performed by the indoor controller 200. The indoor main process is started when the power of the indoor unit is turned on.

  The indoor controller 200 monitors the current operation transmitted from the outdoor controller 100 at predetermined time intervals (step S201). When the current operation mode is received, the process proceeds to step S202.

  The indoor controller 200 determines whether or not the current operation is switched from the cooling operation to the heating operation (step S202). When switching to the heating operation, the process proceeds to step S203. Otherwise, the process returns to step S201.

  The indoor controller 200 increases the capacity of the cooling operation currently performed according to the command from the outdoor controller 100 (step S203). For example, the indoor controller 200 changes the rotation speed of the corresponding indoor fan, the thermo-off temperature, and / or the opening of the corresponding expansion valve based on the command.

  The indoor controller 200 receives a fan stop command to stop the corresponding indoor fan from the outdoor controller 100. The indoor controller 200 stops the corresponding indoor fan according to the fan stop command (step S204). Thereby, warm air does not blow out from an indoor unit during the heating operation performed subsequently.

  The indoor controller 200 receives the command from the outdoor controller 100, and controls the opening degree of the corresponding expansion valve in accordance with the command (step S205). Thus, the entire amount of refrigerant can be reliably circulated in the refrigerant circuit during the heating operation.

  The indoor controller 200 repeats steps 201 to 205 described above until the power of the indoor unit is turned off (step S206).

  In the main process of the indoor controller 200 described above, when the increase process is not performed in the main process of the outdoor controller 100, step 203 may be omitted.

<Modification>
The following are other preferred embodiments of the system of the present invention.

<Modification 1>
FIG. 10 shows a system 10 ′ according to a modification of the system 10 of the above-described embodiment. System 10 'differs from system 10 in that an expansion valve corresponding to each indoor unit or hot water supply unit is arranged in the outdoor unit. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 10, the components represented by the same reference numerals in the system 10 and the system 10 ′ have the same or corresponding functions. Therefore, only differences between the system 10 and the system 10 ′ will be described below. For components and / or functions common to the system 10 and the system 10 ′, the description of the system 10 described above can be referred to.

  The system 10 'of FIG. 10 includes an outdoor unit 110', at least one indoor unit 120a ', 120b', and a hot water supply unit 130 'that are connected to each other. Each unit of the system 10 ′ is connected to each other in the same manner as the system 10.

  The outdoor unit 110 'has expansion valves 122a, 122b, 132 disposed for the indoor units 120a', 120b 'and the hot water supply unit 130', respectively. The structure of each expansion valve 122a, 122b, 132 is the same as the expansion valve of system 10. The connection between each expansion valve 122a, 122b, 132 and the other components of system 10 'is the same as the expansion valve of system 10.

  The outdoor unit 110 'has an outdoor controller 100'. The outdoor controller 100 ′ has the same function as the outdoor controller 100 of the system 10, and further has a function of controlling the opening degree of each expansion valve 122 a, 122 b, 132.

  Each indoor unit 120a ', 120b' has an indoor controller 200 '. The indoor controller 200 'has the same function as the indoor controller 200 of the system 10 except for the function of controlling the corresponding expansion valve.

  The hot water supply unit 130 includes a hot water supply controller 300 '. The hot water controller 300 'has the same function as the hot water controller 300 of the system 10, except for the function of controlling the corresponding expansion valve.

<Modification 2>
The functions of the outdoor controllers 100, 100 ′, the indoor controllers 200, 200 ′, and the hot water controller 300 may be assigned differently from the systems 10, 10 ′ described above. For example, some of the controls performed by the indoor controllers 200, 200 ′ may instead be performed by the corresponding outdoor controllers 100, 100 ′, and vice versa. Control of any component of the system 10, 10 ′ may be exchanged between the outdoor controller 100, 100 ′ and the indoor controller 200, 200 ′ according to a predetermined condition.

  For example, the outdoor controller 100, 100 'may generate a command for controlling the expansion valves 122a, 122b, 132 and send the command directly to the expansion valves 122a, 122b, 132. Similarly, the outdoor controllers 100 and 100 'may generate a command for controlling the indoor fans 123a and 123b and directly transmit the command to the indoor fans 123a and 123b. The expansion valves 122a, 122b, 132 and the indoor fans 123a, 123b are preferably controlled by the outdoor controllers 100, 100 'after the hot water supply request during the cooling operation until the subsequent heating operation ends.

  More preferably, the expansion valves 122a, 122b, 132 and the indoor fans 123a, 123b are independently controlled by the corresponding indoor controller 200 or hot water controller 300 during the normal operation period. The normal operation period is a period excluding a period “after the hot water supply request during the cooling operation and until the end of the heating operation performed after the cooling operation”.

  While the invention has been described with reference to selected embodiments only, it will be understood that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. For example, unless specified otherwise, the size, shape, position or orientation of various components may be varied as necessary and / or desired so long as they do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless indicated otherwise, components shown to be directly connected or in contact with each other may have intermediate structures disposed between them unless they substantially affect their intended function. . Unless stated otherwise, the function of one component may be performed by two components and vice versa. The structure and function of one embodiment may be employed in another embodiment. Not all advantages present in a particular embodiment need be present simultaneously. Therefore, the above description of the embodiment according to the present invention is provided for illustration only.

Claims (13)

An air conditioning and hot water supply system (10) configured to selectively perform a cooling operation and a heating operation,
An outdoor unit (110) having a compressor (111) and an outdoor heat exchanger (113);
A plurality of indoor units (120a, 120b) each connected to the outdoor unit (110) and having indoor heat exchangers (121a, 121b);
A hot water supply unit (130) connected to the outdoor unit (110) so as to be arranged in parallel with the plurality of indoor units (120a, 120b) and having a refrigerant-water heat exchanger (131);
A controller (100) configured to monitor hot water requests from the hot water supply unit (130);
With
When the request for hot water supply is generated during the cooling operation in at least one of the plurality of indoor units (120a, 120b), the controller (100) is configured after the request is generated and until a predetermined condition is satisfied. Configured to continue the cooling operation and then start the heating operation,
Air conditioning and hot water supply system (10). The controller (100) is further configured to determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied after the cooling operation is continued for a predetermined period (P1) after the request is generated.
The air-conditioning hot-water supply system (10) according to claim 1. Until the controller (100) receives a signal indicating that the actual room temperature has reached the target temperature of the corresponding indoor unit from each of the plurality of indoor units (120a, 120b) during the cooling operation. And, after continuing the cooling operation, is configured to determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied,
The air-conditioning hot-water supply system (10) according to claim 1 or 2. The controller (100) is further configured to increase the capacity of the cooling operation after the request has occurred,
The air-conditioning hot-water supply system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The controller (100) is configured to perform the cooling operation in all of one or more indoor units in which the cooling operation is on after the request is generated and before the heating operation is started. ,
The air-conditioning hot-water supply system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The controller (100) is configured to perform the cooling operation in all of the plurality of indoor units (120a, 120b) after the request is generated and before the heating operation is started.
The air-conditioning hot-water supply system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The controller (100) is configured to transmit a signal for increasing the frequency of the compressor (111) to the compressor (111) during the cooling operation and after the request is generated.
The air-conditioning hot-water supply system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The controller (100) is configured to lower a thermo-off temperature of each indoor unit during the cooling operation after the cooling operation and the request is generated, and each indoor unit has a current room temperature of the thermo-off. Configured to stop the cooling operation when the temperature is reached,
The air-conditioning hot-water supply system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The controller (100) is configured to transmit a signal for increasing a frequency of a fan of each indoor unit during the cooling operation after the cooling operation and the request is generated.
The air-conditioning hot-water supply system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The controller (100) is configured to lower the evaporation temperature of each indoor unit during the cooling operation after the request is generated during the cooling operation.
The air-conditioning hot-water supply system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A plurality of expansion valves arranged for each of the hot water supply unit (130) and the plurality of indoor units (120a, 120b) and configured to control the amount of refrigerant supplied to the corresponding unit. (122a, 122b, 132),
Further comprising
The controller (100) transmits a signal for reducing the opening degree of each expansion valve to each expansion valve corresponding to each indoor unit performing the cooling operation during the cooling operation and after the request is generated. Configured as
The air-conditioning hot-water supply system (10) according to claim 10. Each of the plurality of indoor units (120a, 120b) is configured to send a request level signal indicating a required change in cooling operation capability to the controller (100).
The air-conditioning hot-water supply system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The controller (100) generates the request during the cooling operation when none of the one or more indoor units during the cooling operation transmits a request level signal indicating an increase in the capacity of the cooling operation. Later, configured to increase the frequency of the compressor (111),
The air-conditioning hot-water supply system (10) according to claim 12.

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